A series of terror attacks and clashes between rioters and security forces in Pakistan’s Balochistan province have welcomed Prime Minister Shawkat ‘Aziz on his two-day visit to the western province.
At least three people died during clashes between security forces and suspected tribal militants, when the tribesmen tried to take over a security post on Sunday. The same day at least six bombs exploded in Balochistan, one of them near the house of the chief executive of Balochistan, Jam Muhammad Yousuf. At the time of explosion, Yousuf was not in his house. Reportedly, none of the bombs caused any casualties, according to news agency reports.
Tribal groups in gas-rich Balochistan are trying to achieve greater political and economic rights.
Pakistan’s security forces launched military operations in the region following last December’s failed assassination attempt against President Pervez Musharraf. Violence continued over the weekend, as ‘Aziz came for his short visit.
‘Aziz announced the government has approved 30,000 new posts in various departments, including the police and Frontier Corps in Balochistan, to be filled over the next two years, reported the Pakistani Daily Times.
“We will also try to provide jobs to Balochistan youth in various departments of the federal government, more than their fixed quota,” ‘Aziz said at a press conference. However, ‘Aziz warned that investment would not come into the province until the security situation improves. “We will maintain peace in Balochistan and possess much resources and power to curb the elements trying to disrupt peace in the province,” the prime minister said.